Amsterdam holidays

Canal and bridge at dusk, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam city breaks are stuffed full of must-dos – you've got a still-buzzing centuries-old art scene, historical hotspots, and a lively nightlife. And that barely scratches the surface.

Amsterdam city breaks

Amsterdam’s storybook scenery is instantly recognisable. The city’s packed full of narrow streets and canals – it’s a great place to get lost in. Tall, thin houses line the streets – they’re pretty uniform at first glance, but if you look a bit closer, you'll see each one’s unique. Our selection of hotels are sprinkled in and around the city's iconic lanes, either by a canal or close to one of the city's key sights. Plus, you'll find plenty of metro stations nestled into the mix, making getting out and about around the rest of Amsterdam a piece of cake.

Arty Amsterdam

The Netherlands is a country known for its star-studded art alumni. And it’s no wonder, with names like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and, of course, Van Gogh on the list. Amsterdam takes advantage of this legacy, and lines up a host of famous art museums in the aptly named Museumplein. See the classics in the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The city proves that its art scene is still alive and kicking with the Stedelijk Museum of modern art, too.

Top tours

There’s a lot to see during a city break to Amsterdam, and the area’s famous bikes and boats make sure that you don’t miss out on anything. There’s a canal boat tour that picks you up at the Museumplein, and finishes up right outside the Heineken Experience. You’ll hear all about the history of Amsterdam on the canal boat, and then you can have a taste of it at Heineken’s 19th-century brewery. Hiring a bike is the best way to see the oasis-like Vondelpark – it attracts over 10 million visitors every year. In the summer months, the open-air theatre puts on free concerts.

Historical hotspot

There are plenty of historical sights to see in Amsterdam. The Anne Frank house is a must. If you book your tickets online, you’ll avoid the long queues. The 17th-century Royal Palace is still used by the Dutch Royal family. You can go inside for a tour – the free audio guide gives you loads of information about the palace’s past. Go further back in time with a visit to Zaanse Schans, a living and working traditional Dutch community. It’s a 30-minute drive out of the city. Here, you’ll see clog-crafting, cheese-making, and iconic Dutch windmills.

Popular hotels in Amsterdam

Top things to see and do in Amsterdam

Beaches

Natural and manmade

Although Amsterdam isn’t famed for its beaches, they’re actually a bit of a hidden gem. You’ve got natural strips of sand that are favourites with in-the-know watersports fans. And, man-made city beaches are open for business during the summer.

The big beach

It takes less than 30 minutes to reach Zandvoort aan Zee by car. This beach is popular with locals and tourists alike – looking at the wide swathes of sand, you can see why. Besides sunbathing, there’s plenty to do here, too. It’s known as a prime spot for watersports, including surfing, kayaking and kitesurfing. Plus, you’ve got loads of choice when it comes to bars and restaurants – the edge of the beach is peppered with them.

The secret beach

Pllek, meaning ‘the place’, is set on the NDSM wharf. The wharf began life as a shipyard, it closed down in the 1980s, and artists began to use the space. Now, it’s a cultural centre of Amsterdam. Pllek is a restaurant, made out of old shipping containers, with an outdoor terrace. But, the jewel in its crown is its summertime urban beach. The sand is dotted with giant beanbags for you to relax on with a drink in hand.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The IJ Hallen flea market is the place to go if you’ve got the knack for finding a bargain. This monthly market is massive – it’s set inside an old shipbuilding warehouse on the trendy NDSM wharf. Here, you’ll find anything from antiques to furniture, and a goldmine of vintage clothing. There are some real treasures to be found here, as long as you’re willing to dig around a bit.

Mid-range buys

The Kalverstraat is one of Amsterdam’s main shopping streets. Here, you’ll find all the European high street classics. Think H&M, Zara, and Esprit. There’s a nice selection of independent Dutch shops dotted in between the big brands, too, so you can discover some new favourites.

Designer buys

The P.C. Hooftstraat has been a big name in Amsterdam’s shopping scene since the 1970s. It’s in a prime location, set near the Museumplein. Loads of high-end designers, including Hugo Boss, Dolce and Gabbana, and Hermes have set up shop here.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Concertgebauw is your best bet for a classy evening in Amsterdam. It’s been a must-visit destination since its opening in 1881, and is now the second most visited concert hall in the world. Because of its top-notch reputation, it attracts big names from the classical music scene. If you like your entertainment a little more unusual, head over to the Supperclub. In this restaurant-cum-theatre, you’ll lie back on a double bed while you’re served a chef’s-choice menu. The entertainment does its best to surprise you, and often succeeds.

Lively evenings

Rembrandtplein square started out as a butter and dairy market in 1688. It’s changed quite a lot since then – it’s now made a name for itself as one of Amsterdam’s best clubbing hotspots. You’ve got a massive selection of bars and clubs here, with enough options to satisfy every partygoer. It’s in a great location, too – many of Amsterdam’s night buses leave from here.

Food & drink

Patatje oorlog

When you’re wandering around Amsterdam, you’ll come across lots of street-side kiosks selling these thick Dutch fries. They’re served up in a paper cone – perfect for keeping your hands warm while you explore. Ask for Patatje oorlog and your chips will come drenched in a mix of satay sauce, mayo and raw onions. It might be an unusual combination, but it really works.

Bitterballen

Bitterballen are the perfect snack to accompany your drink. Sort of like the Dutch version of peanuts and crisps, you can order these at most bars alongside your chosen tipple. They’re like meatballs, made up of seasoned beef or veal mixed with butter. They’re deep-fried in breadcrumbs, and then served with mustard for dipping.

Heineken

Walk into any bar in Amsterdam and you’re sure to find its favourite beer on tap. This lager was first brewed in the city in the 1800s. If it’s served properly, you won’t get a full glass. It’s topped with a foam hat, which has confused many a tourist into thinking they’ve been ripped off. But the Dutch insist that this keeps it extra-fizzy for longer.

Poffertjes

For something sweet, try these little doughnut-pancake hybrids. You’ll get about a dozen bite-sized treats in a portion – they’re served topped with melted butter and generously dusted with icing sugar. Try them in a Dutch pancake house, or on-the-go from a kiosk.

Rijsttafel

You get a real taste of the Netherlands’ cultural history with the rijsttafel, or rice table. It’s a fusion of Dutch and Indonesian food, which dates back to when Indonesia was a Dutch colony in the 19th and 20th centuries. If you order a rijsttafel, you’ll get a massive selection of small plates – almost like Dutch/Indonesian tapas – served up with rice.

Average Weather in Amsterdam

Facts about Amsterdam

Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Language
Dutch
Time zone
GMT +1
Flight duration
1 hour 10 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

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